Decatur

Decatur

Located in DeKalb County, there is always something going on in the city of Decatur. For that reason and because of its closeness to Atlanta, many people often mistake it for just another Atlanta neighborhood, but the city of about 20,000 people stands on its own as one of the best places to live in the metro area. Founded in 1823, Decatur mixes a little history combined with the conveniences of the modern world, and the locals love it.

Things to Do

Despite its size, Decatur is a tight-knit community that thrives on festivals and other activities. From local home and garden tours to holiday events to annual favorites like the Decatur Arts Festival and Decatur BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Festival, not a weekend goes by when there isn’t something fun to do with your neighbors. As for shopping, you can visit one of the dozens of independent boutiques and art galleries peppered throughout the neighborhood or you can opt for something more traditional in North DeKalb Mall or The Gallery at South DeKalb. The DeKalb Farmers’ Market is one of the biggest in the South and offers everything from local produce to hard-to-find international ingredients. Eddie’s Attic is a great place to catch a live show throughout the week. And some of the Atlanta-area’s finest restaurants are here, like Wahoo! Grill, Cafe Lily, and The Iberian Pig.

Real Estate

Many of the homes in Decatur date back decades and even over a century. You’ll find several historic cottages, bungalows, and Victorians here. You’ll also find traditional two-story homes, new construction, and mid-century brick ranch-style residences. Popular neighborhoods in Decatur include the historic Decatur Heights, the family-friendly Glenwood Estates, the upscale Laurelgate, and Winnona Park which is just a quick walk away from many of the city’s amenities.

Schools

Most children in Decatur will attend schools in the Decatur City School District which is considered to be one of the best in the state. The schools consistently rank high on SAT performances and have won numerous state-wide awards. The system is made of four schools for grades kindergarten through third, Clairemont Elementary, Glennwood Elementary, Oakhurst Elementary, and Winnona Park Elementary; the 4/5 Academy at 5th Avenue for fourth and fifth graders, Renfroe Middle School, Decatur High School, and the newly-built College Heights Early Learning Center. Several top colleges are also located in or around Decatur, including Emory University, Agnes Scott College, and Georgia Perimeter College.

Life in Decatur

Over the last decade, Decatur has continued to grow and attract both city-dwellers and suburbanites. Young families, singles, and professionals who commute to Atlanta can all be found here, and one drive around the beautiful city will prove why.